Krobo Christmas tree, Kariya tree
Hildegardia barteri
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows to 32 m high. It is 4 m around the trunk. It has buttresses. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is smooth and green. The leaves are heart shaped. They are 15-25 cm long and broad. The leaf stalk is 7-25 cm long. The flowers are red and like tubes. They occur as several slender flowers near the ends of branches when the tree does not have leaves. The fruit are red and inflated.
There are about 8 Hildegardia species. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in drier places in the lowland rainforest. It suits humid locations. It grows on rocky hills. It quickly establishes and grows in open places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, SE Asia, Togo, West Africa (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The leaves need to be correctly treated before eating. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. They are used to thicken soup. The seeds are also the source of an edible oil.
Edible parts
Nuts, leaves, seeds, seeds - oil, seeds - spice
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants can be budded. Plants can be grown from stem cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Bronyadua, Eso, Kariya, Okurugbedu, Pohon natal krobo, Ufuku